Support quality, independent, local journalism…that matters
From just £3 a month you can help fund our work – and use our website without adverts. Become a member today
An Afghanistan war veteran who built a castle on Mynyddislwyn has said he did so to escape from his post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Mike Allen, who served with the 2nd Battalion the Royal Welsh regiment, started building the castle near Wattsville in 2019.
He used stone and wood he had collected locally to build the structure.
Speaking to BBC Wales, Mr Allen said: “Quite a few people leave the army with issues, the vast majority of people can manage the issues quite well and get on with a meaningful life afterwards. But there are some people who do struggle.
“I think I fell into the latter category. It was difficult trying to contain the emotions, the sudden flashbacks and feelings. It’s emotionally draining.
“I still have good days and bad days, I try to push forward the best I can. I know building the castle has been a big coping mechanism. It’s been a way that I can keep myself busy.”
Latest News
- Gwent Police precept could rise by 5% to pay for new officers
- “We’re so fed up with this now” – Church fundraising for CCTV after wall repeatedly hit by lorries
- Wales to further relax Covid restrictions from January 28
- Rethink is needed on school crossing patrol criteria, councillor argues
- Investigation after Tuberculosis case discovered at school
He continued: “When I was up the mountain building away, it was just complete escapism. The first 18 months, I was just there all the time collecting stone and gathering the logs and building.”
Mr Allen said the castle has attracted around 2,500 visitors, including fellow-veterans and people with special needs, with activities such as meditation and yoga on offer.
“There’s been lots of different things going on, but it’s all been free of charge to the local community and of a goodwill nature,” he said.
Mr Allen has done one-to-one sessions at the castle and said the “peaceful” surroundings help people talk more openly.
He added: “There’s many times I was having a bad day, I would just go up there and collect stone until I was physically not able to walk by the end of it. The next day I’d go up and see a big pile of stone ready there.
“It was learning to overcome that, to change perspective, if you have been triggered in some way, to use it in a positive manner.”
Support quality, independent, local journalism…that matters
From just £3 a month you can help fund our work – and use our website without adverts.
Become a member today